College Sports Blog

Texas A&M overtakes Texas Longhorns in statewide popularity poll

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel encourages the crowd during what was likely his final home game against Mississippi State Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas A&M won 51-41. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Longhorns have the biggest athletic budget in college sports and one of the most recognizable brands in the country, but Texas A&M seems to have Texas beat in terms of popularity in its own state.

According to recent poll numbers from Public Policy Polling, among those surveyed, 22% of fans identify themselves Aggies and 20% as Longhorns. This is a considerable shift from the last time this poll was conducted in September of 2011, when the Longhorns had a 23% to 15% lead over the Aggies.

The change, in large part can be attributed to Texas’ A&M’s move from the Big 12 to the SEC, preventing the two schools from battling for state supremacy every Thanksgiving. But the Aggies’ Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Johnny Manziel could be the real outlier. The change occurred during the polarizing QB’s starting reign in College Station.

Other schools that received votes: 10% for Houston, 8% for Baylor, 5% for Texas Tech, 4% for TCU, 3% for UTEP and 2% for SMU.

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